Series QS1PR/1 SET - 1

(1/1/1)

Strictly Confidential: (For Internal and Restricted use only)

Senior Secondary School Examination 2024
Marking Scheme – ENGLISH CORE (301)
(QUESTION PAPER CODE – 1/1/1)
General Instructions: -

1. You are aware that evaluation is the most important process in the actual and correct
assessment of the candidates. A small mistake in evaluation may lead to serious problems
which may affect the future of the candidates, education system and teaching profession. To
avoid mistakes, it is requested that before starting evaluation, you must read and understand
the spot evaluation guidelines carefully.
2. “Evaluation policy is a confidential policy as it is related to the confidentiality of the
examinations conducted, evaluation done and several other aspects. Its leakage to public
in any manner could lead to derailment of the examination system and affect the life and
future of millions of candidates. Sharing this policy/document to anyone, publishing in
any magazine and printing in News Paper/Website etc may invite action under various
rules of the Board and IPC.”
3. Evaluation is to be done as per instructions provided in the Marking Scheme. It should not be
done according to one’s own interpretation or any other consideration. Marking Scheme
should be strictly adhered to and religiously followed. However, while evaluating, answers
which are based on the latest information or knowledge and / or are innovative, may be
assessed for their correctness otherwise, and due marks may be awarded to them. In
Competency based questions, please try to understand the given answer and even if
reply is not from marking scheme but correct competency is shown by the candidate,
due marks should be awarded.
4. The Marking Scheme carries only suggested value points for the answers. These are in the
nature of Guidelines only and do not constitute the complete answer. The students can have
their own expression and if the expression is correct, then due marks should be awarded
accordingly.
5. The Head-Examiner must go through the first five answer books evaluated by each evaluator
on the first day, to ensure that evaluation has been carried out as per the instructions given in
the Marking Scheme. If there is any variation, the same should be zeroed after deliberation
and discussion. The remaining answer books meant for evaluation shall be given only after
ensuring that there is no significant variation in the marking of individual evaluators.
6. Evaluators will mark ( √ ) wherever answer is correct. For wrong answer ‘X” be marked.
Evaluators will not put ( √ ) while evaluating a wrong answer which gives an impression that
answer is correct and no marks are awarded. This is the most common mistake which
evaluators are committing.
7. If a question has parts, please award marks on the right-hand side for each part. Marks
awarded for different parts of the question should then be totalled up and written in the left-
hand margin and encircled. This must be followed strictly.
8. If a question does not have any parts, marks must be awarded in the left-hand margin and
encircled. This must be followed strictly.

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9. If a student has attempted an extra question, answer of the question deserving more marks
should be retained and the other answer scored out with a note “Extra Question”.
10. If more than one option is mentioned in the answer of multiple choice questions, then no
marks to be awarded.
11. No marks to be deducted for the cumulative effect of an error. It should be penalized only
once.
12. A full scale of marks (0-80 marks) as given in Question Paper has to be used. Please do not
hesitate to award full marks if the answer deserves it.
13. Every examiner has to necessarily do evaluation work for full working hours i.e. 8 hours every
day and evaluate 20 answer books per day in main subjects and 25 answer books per day in
other subjects (Details are given in Spot Guidelines).
14. Ensure that you do not make the following common types of errors committed by the
Examiner in the past:-
• Leaving answer or part thereof unassessed in an answer book.
• Giving more marks for an answer than assigned to it.
• Wrong totalling of marks awarded on an answer.
• Wrong transfer of marks from the inside pages of the answer book to the title page.
• Wrong question wise totalling on the title page.
• Wrong totalling of marks of the two columns on the title page.
• Wrong grand total.
• Marks in words and figures not tallying / not same.
• Wrong transfer of marks from the answer book to online award list.
• Answers marked as correct, but marks not awarded. (Ensure that the right tick mark ( √ ) is
correctly and clearly indicated. It should not merely be a line. Same is with the (X) for
incorrect answer.)
• Half or a part of answer marked correct and the rest as wrong, but no marks awarded.
15. While evaluating the answer books if the answer is found to be totally incorrect, it should be
marked as cross (X) and awarded zero (0) Marks. ‘Zero’ should be mentioned both in figures
and words.
16. Any unassessed portion, non-carrying over of marks to the title page, or totalling error
detected by the candidate shall damage the prestige of all the personnel engaged in the
evaluation work as also of the Board. Hence, in order to uphold the prestige of all concerned,
it is again reiterated that the instructions should be followed meticulously and judiciously.
17. The Examiners should acquaint themselves with the guidelines given in the “Guidelines for
Spot Evaluation” before starting the actual evaluation.
18. Every Examiner shall also ensure that all the answers are evaluated, marks carried over to the
title page, correctly totalled and written in figures and words.
19. The candidates are entitled to obtain photocopy of the Answer Book on request on payment of
the prescribed processing fee. All Examiners / Additional Head Examiners / Head Examiners
are once again reminded that they must ensure that evaluation is carried out strictly as per
Value Points for each answer as given in the Marking Scheme.

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MARKING SCHEME
Senior Secondary School Examination, 2024
ENGLISH CORE (Subject Code–301)
[ Question Paper Code : 1/1/1 ]
Maximum Marks : 80
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS:

1. The answers given below are suggestive. Credit should be given for any relevant point which
is not included in the value points listed below. However, any independent interpretation
should be discussed with the HE before awarding marks.
2. No marks shall be deducted for exceeding the word-limit.
3. If a spelling error is recurring, it should be penalized only once.

SUGGESTED VALUE POINTS Marks

SECTION—A 22
marks
Reading Skills
NOTE: The objective of the reading section is to focus on testing a candidate’s
ability to comprehend. No mark(s) should be deducted for mistakes in usage and
grammar, spelling or word-limit. Full marks may be awarded if a student has been
able to identify the core ideas. If a student literally lifts a portion of the given
passage as an answer to a question, no mark(s) to be deducted for this, as long as
it is relevant.
Q.1. Answer the following questions, based on the above passage: 12
marks
(i) Select the word that most appropriately defines Artificial Intelligence today.
(A) rewarding (B) universal
(C) luxurious (D) temporary
Ans. (B) universal 1
(ii) What is the connection between ‘face recognition’ in school education and AI ?
Ans. AI takes attendance using face recognition when one enters school 1
(iii) Which one of the following do you infer from para 2 ?
(A) School education will become a virtual engagement.
(B) The teacher will be replaced by AI.
(C) Human teachers will play a passive role in the classroom.
(D) Human teachers are irreplaceable.
Ans. (D) Human teachers are irreplaceable. 1
(iv) Share evidence from the text, in about 40 words, about how AI can support the
field of education.
Ans. - takes attendance using face recognition 2
- various applications are in wide use by educators and learners today
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- AI technologies assist teachers in the classroom

- learning at home is based on virtual reality applications
- provides personalization at scale.
(any two)
(v) The phrase ‘stimulate execution’ in para 3 nearly means :
(A) imitate creations
(B) strategise destructions
(C) shake inventions
(D) motivate implementation
Ans. (D) motivate implementation 1
(vi) With evidence from the text, explain in about 40 words, two ways in which AI
will help in the healthcare sector.
Ans. - improve health outcomes and quality of life 2
- clinical decision support, patient monitoring and coaching
- automated devices to assist in surgery or patient care
- robotics to support surgery
- management of healthcare systems
- mining social media to infer possible health risks
- machine learning to predict patients at risk
(any two)
(vii) According to the passage, why does the author conclude that people’s
relationships with machines will become more personalised ?
Ans. - adapt to individual personalities 2
- adapt to ambitions and goals
- help monitor peoples well-being
- alert them to the impending risks
- deliver services when needed or wanted
(any two)
(viii) Complete the following statement :
AI will make the commercial supply chain smoother by _________
Ans. facilitating delivery of online purchases through flying drones / self-driving trucks / robots 1
(ix) Read the five headlines given below (I -V) :
I. AI WILL IMPACT EVERY ASPECT OF OUR LIVES
II. AI WILL BE A BOON TO THE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS

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III. SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS WILL BE CONTROLLED BY AI

IV. AI IS A MAJOR REASON FOR RISING UNEMPLOYMENT TODAY
V. FACTORY OWNERS WILL NOT USE AI FOR FEAR OF ITS
UNPREDICTABILITY
Identify the option that displays the headline/s that does/do not correspond
with occurrences in the passage.
(A) only V
(B) II and III
(C) IV and V
(D) III, IV and V
Ans. (D) III, IV and V 1

Passage 2
Q.2. Answer the following questions, based on the above passage: 10
marks
(i) What are the two findings that the survey mentioned in paragraph 1 reveals ?
Answer in about 40 words.
Ans. - measure levels of happiness 2
- factors influencing overall well-being
- financial security
(any two)
(ii) Explain in about 40 words the statement “It is also important to provide
financial support so as to reduce some of the economic pressures.”
Ans. - financial security was identified as the primary source of happiness for 66%, 2
followed by family support (89%)
- enable them to achieve their full potential
- young people need better resources to access counselling services/
mindfulness activities and support groups
- any other relevant point
(any two)
(iii) Elaborate giving data, the statement “Stress has a significant impact on the
happiness of today’s youth.”
Ans. - 65% reported feeling stress related to academic performance or workload 1
- 25% reported feeling lonely
(any one)
(iv) Which of the following factors, with reference to the given passage, does not
play a substantial role in the well-being of Indian youth ?
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(A) Family support and strong ties (B) Social connection and technology
(C) Books and literature (D) Economic stability
Ans. (B) Social connection and technology / (C) Books and literature 1
(v) State whether True or False, with reference to the given passage :
It is not necessary to provide financial support to the youth as only academic
performance plays an upper hand in deciding the stress level.
Ans. False 1
(vi) What are the top choices which are of maximum value to today’s youth ?
I. Collectivism
II. Social media
III. Individualistic society
IV. Family ties
Options :
(A) I and II (B) II and III
(C) I and IV (D) II and IV
Ans. (C) I and IV/ (D) II and IV 1
(vii) The mental health of today’s youth can be managed by resources like
__________ and __________.
Ans. - counselling services 1
- mindfulness activities
- support groups
- mental health services
(any two)
(viii) Write the following sources that provide happiness to today’s youth in
descending order :
(a) purposefulness (b) financial status
(c) family support (d) stress
Ans. (c) family support (b) financial status (d) stress (a) purposefulness / 1
(c) family support (b) financial status (a) purposefulness (d) stress

SECTION B 18
marks
Creative Writing Skills
OBJECTIVE:
• To test the ability to think logically and express clearly.
• To use a style appropriate to the given situation.
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• To plan, organize and present ideas coherently.

Q.3 Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in about 50 words : 4
marks
NOTICE WRITING
Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 2
Expression: Grammar & Spelling – ½ Coherence of Ideas- ½
FORMAT - Name of issuing authority- organisation/ agency, NOTICE, heading,
date of issue, signature / name, designation (bottom left)
(a) To encourage students to participate in outdoor activities, your school has
planned a 7-day trek to Rohtang Pass for students of classes VIII - X during
the summer vacation. Write a notice for the school notice board giving all the
necessary information. You are Raghav/Ragini, Secretary Trekking Club,
Amar Bahadur School.
Ans. Suggested value points 4
- 7 day trek to Rohtang Pass

(inputs given in the question to be included)

(any other relevant point)
OR
(b) The problem of the residents’ parking of vehicles, often leading to minor
scuffles, has become a source of growing concern. As Secretary of Goodwill
Flats Welfare Association, Shripur, write a notice informing the residents
about a meeting to discuss the problem and find an acceptable solution. Invent
necessary details.
Ans. Suggested value points 4
- inform the residents
- topic of discussion

(inputs given in the question to be included)

(any other relevant point)

Q. 4 Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in about 50 words. 4

marks
Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 2
Expression: Grammar & Spelling – ½ Coherence of Ideas- ½
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FORMAL INVITATION

Q.4 You are the Student Head, Cultural Affairs Club at Newton Public School. The
(a) school is holding its annual function on Saturday, April 20th, 2024 at 11 am.
The Honourable Education Minister, Dr. Shah has consented to be the Chief
Guest. Design an invitation card to be sent to the parents and other invitees.
Mention necessary details.

Suggested value points 4

Ans. - card form
- chief guest
- invitees

(inputs given in the question to be included)

(any other relevant point)
OR
FORMAL REPLY

Q.4 You are a renowned doctor and have been invited by your school alumni as Chief
(b) Guest to the Annual Graduation Ceremony of Green School on Sunday, March 24th,
2024. Write a letter to the President of the Alumni Association expressing your
inability to attend due to a prior commitment. Also convey your congratulations to the
graduating students.
Ans. Suggested value points 4
- letter of refusal
- acknowledge the invitation
- express thanks
- decline invitation

(inputs given in the question to be included)

(any other relevant point)

Q. 5 Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120 - 150 words. 5
marks
Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 3
Expression (Grammar & Spelling) – ½ Coherence of ideas - ½
FORMAT –Sender’s address, Date, Receiver’s address, Subject and Salutation/
Salutation and Subject, Complimentary Close, Name
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JOB APPLICATION

Q.5 You are Amar/Anita, a fresh MBA graduate from Singla Institute of
(a) Management, Khushbagh. You saw the given advertisement in a newspaper
and wish to apply for the position advertised. Write a letter to India Helptel
Company along with your bio-data, expressing your interest in the advertised
post.
MANAGEMENT TRAINEES REQUIRED
by
INDIA HELPTEL COMPANY
for its
INDIA-WIDE LOGISTICS Department
Whom Do We Need

• Fresh MBA Graduates

• Specialization in Marketing
• Skills - Excellent communication skills, both
written and verbal
• Languages - English and State language

Suggested value points: 5

Ans. Covering Letter :
- reference to the advertisement
- suitability for the post
- offer candidature
Bio-Data / Resume / CV:
- personal profile
- qualifications
- experience
- skills
- references
NOTE:
• No marks to be deducted if the Resume/CV/Bio-data is included in the
covering letter
(inputs given in the question to be included)
OR
LETTER TO EDITOR

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Q.5 An increase in the number of vehicles on the road has increased instances of
(b) traffic snarls, road rage and accidents. Write a letter to the editor of a national
daily showing your concern and examining the reasons for such behaviour.
Provide suggestions on how to manage the situation. Use the given cues along
with your own ideas to compose the letter. You are Brinda/Bharat.

REASONS
- Increase in vehicles
- More cars per family
- Budgeted cab services
- People not adhering to traffic rules
SUGGESTIONS
- Improve traffic management during peak hours
- Stricter implementation of laws
- Role of media in creating awareness

Ans. Suggested value points 5

(inputs given in the question to be included)

(any other relevant point)
(any three)

Q. 6 Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120 - 150 words. 5
marks
ARTICLE WRITING

Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 3
Expression (Grammar & Spelling) – ½ Coherence of ideas - ½
FORMAT – Title and byline

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Q.6 India is emerging as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
(a) Write an article on “ India as a popular choice of Foreign Visitors”. You are
Leela/Laksh. Use the given cues along with your own ideas to compose the
article.

Importance
• The new influx generates jobs for local people
• Local culture, food and handicrafts promoted
• Medical, religious and ecotourism bring India on
the world map
What needs to be done
• Strengthening the efforts of the authorities
• Media’s role in creating awareness
• Information centers to be created for all tourists

Suggested value points : 5

Ans.

(inputs given in the question to be included)

(any other relevant point)
(any three)
OR

REPORT WRITING

Distribution of marks
Format -1 Content – 3
Expression (Grammar & Spelling) – ½ Coherence of ideas - ½
FORMAT – Title and byline
Q.6 The senior residents of your colony have initiated a Reading Club for the
(b) children of a neighbourhood slum. As Ramesh/Ranjita, the local correspondent
of the neighbourhood newsletter, write a report covering the project. Support
your ideas with the cues given below.

• Senior citizens’ initiative

• 2 hours voluntary service on Sunday morning
• Support reading of school texts
• Comprehension quizzing
• Read newspaper – share information – encourage
discussion

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Ans. Suggested value points : 5

(inputs given in the question to be included)

(any other relevant point)
(any three)
SECTION C 40
Literature Marks
NOTE: The objective of this section is to test a candidate’s ability to understand
and interpret the prescribed text through short & long answer type questions. Long
answer type questions have been set to test the students’ understanding of the
text and their ability to interpret, evaluate & respond to the issues raised therein.
Hence, no particular answer can be accepted as the only correct answer. All
presentations may be accepted as correct with consultation of the HE, if they have
been duly supported by the facts drawn from the text. The student should be able
to justify his / her viewpoint.
In the Inter textual questions reference to both the texts must be included.

Q.7 Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given
two, (a) or (b) :
(a) A thing of beauty is a joy forever 6x1
Its loveliness increases, it will never =6
marks
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
(A Thing of Beauty)
(i) Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract ?
(A) Beauty provides security and peace.
(B) Beauty lies in possession of expensive things.
(C) Beauty is synonymous with power and riches.
(D) Beauty lies in our rich heritage and palaces and temples.
Ans. (A) Beauty provides security and peace. 1
(ii) Complete the following sentence appropriately.
A thing of beauty never passes into nothingness because it is ___________.
Ans. eternal/ joy forever/ everlasting 1
(iii) ‘Quiet bower’ means a pleasant, shady, quiet place under trees or in the woods.
This creates a sense of __________.
Ans. peace and harmony / good health / sweet dreams / quiet breathing 1
(iv) State whether the given statement is True or False with reference to the
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extract.
The quality of a thing ensures that its beauty lasts forever.
Ans. True 1
(v) Based on the rhyme scheme in lines 3 and 4 of the given extract, which word
will rhyme with them?
(A) please
(B) sweep
(C) help
(D) self
Ans. (B) sweep 1
(vi) The use of the word ‘health’ in the extract suggests that beautiful things will
give us a happier and more wholesome life. It creates a powerful image of
__________.
(A) rejuvenation
(B) attachment
(C) long life
(D) eternity
Ans. (A) rejuvenation 1
OR
Q.7 Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen, 6x1
(b) =6
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
marks
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
(Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers)
(i) Which of the following are symbolized by the ‘tigers’ in the extract above ?
I. masculine world
II. feminine world
III. world of bold, fearless creatures
IV. world of beautiful handicrafts
(A) I, II and III
(B) II, III and IV
(C) III and IV
(D) I, III and IV
Ans. (D) I, III and IV 1
(ii) State whether the given statement is True or False.
The creator of the tigers was fearless and assertive like the tigers.

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Ans. False 1
(iii) Complete the following sentence.
The use of the word ‘topaz’ suggest that the image of the tiger on the screen is
___________.
Ans. bright yellow colour / real / perfect creation 1
(iv) ‘Tigers do not fear the men beneath the tree’ because they are
(A) tamed
(B) in a cage
(C) fearless
(D) kings of the jungle
Ans. (C) fearless 1
(v) Based on the poem’s rhyme scheme evident in lines 1 and 2, which of the
following will rhyme?
mean, akin, cream
Ans. mean 1
(vi) Chivalric certainty refers to which poetic device ?
(A) Alliteration
(B) Metaphor
(C) Simile
(D) Repetition
Ans. (A) Alliteration / (B) Metaphor 1

Q.8 Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given
two, (a) or (b) :
(a) Derry : I … there …. I thought this was an empty place. I didn’t know there 4x1
was anybody here…. =4
Mr. Lamb : That’s all right. I’m here. What are you afraid of, boy? That’s all marks
right.
Derry : I thought it was empty …. An empty house
Mr. Lamb : So it is. Since I’m out here in the garden. It is empty. Until I go
back inside. In the meantime, I’m out here and likely to stop. Not a day to be
indoors.
Derry : [Panic] I,ve got to go.
(On The Face Of It)
(i) Derry was stammering because of :
(A) a speech defect.
(B) excitement.
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(C) anger.
(D) fear.
Ans. (D) fear. 1
(ii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
Derry insisted on going back because __________.
Ans. was taken by surprise when he saw Mr. Lamb / panicked after seeing Mr. Lamb / 1
thought it was an empty house
(any other relevant point)
(iii) Mr. Lamb was trying to tell Derry that :
(A) it was a matter of perception.
(B) Derry could stay with him.
(C) he spent all his days in the garden.
(D) he was fond of company.
Ans. (A) it was a matter of perception. / (B) Derry could stay with him. 1
(iv) From the extract, one can infer that Mr. Lamb was a/an :
(A) compassionate man.
(B) mysterious character.
(C) new neighbour.
(D) unreasonable man.
Ans. (A) compassionate man. 1
OR
Q.8 Anyway, here’s what happened at Grand Central. One night last summer I 4x1
(b) worked late at the office. I was in a hurry to get uptown to my apartment so I =4
decided to take the subway from Grand Central because it’s faster that the marks
bus.
Now I don’t know why this should have happened to me. I’m just an ordinary
guy named Charley, thirty-one years old, and I was wearing a tan gabardine
suit and a straw hat with a fancy band; I passed a dozen men who looked just
like me.
(The Third Level)
(i) List any two details about how Charley was dressed up.
Ans. - tan gabardine suit 1
- a straw hat with a fancy band
(ii) Charley decided to use the subway because it was :
(A) quicker.
(B) cheaper.
(C) more fashionable.
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(D) safer.
Ans. (A) quicker. 1
(iii) Complete the following sentence appropriately.
Landing at the third level was due to Charley’s flight of _________.
Ans. imagination / fantasy / stairs 1
(iv) Which time frame is represented through the kind of outfit mentioned in the
extract ?
(A) pre world war era
(B) the present times
(C) the eighteenth century
(D) in the future
Ans. (B) the present times 1

Q.9 Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given
two, (a) or (b) :
(a) They have lived here for more than thirty years without an identity, without 6 x 1
permits but with ration cards that get their names on voters’ lists and enable =6
them to buy grain. Food is more important for survival than identity. “If at the marks
end of the day we can feed our families and go to bed without an aching
stomach, we would rather live here than in the fields that gave us no grain”,
say a group of women in tattered saris when I asked them why they left their
beautiful land of green fields and rivers. Wherever they find food, they pitch
their tents.
(Lost Spring)
(i) The ragpickers have been living there for ____________ decades.
(A) three
(B) four
(C) two
(D) five
Ans. (A) three 1
(ii) Why do these people have ration cards ?
Ans. - get their names on voters’ lists / enable them to buy grain. 1
(iii) What do you infer about their lifestyle from the phrase ‘ pitch their tents’?
Ans. wherever they find food / refugees from Dhaka / poverty stricken / nomads 1
(any other relevant point)
(iv) In spite of the hardships, they are not willing to go back to their homeland
because __________.
Ans. food is more important for survival than identity / no food there 1
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(v) The women had a/an __________ approach towards life.

(A) idealistic
(B) passive
(C) indifferent
(D) practical
Ans. (D) practical 1
(vi) What does the term ‘go to bed without an aching stomach’ indicate?
Ans. not to go hungry / have food and go to sleep 1
OR
Q.9 Their spontaneous demonstration, in thousands, around the courthouse was the 6x1
(b) beginning of their liberation from fear of the British. =6
The official felt powerless without Gandhi’s cooperation. He helped them regulate the marks
crowd. He was polite and friendly. He was giving them concrete proof that their
might, hitherto dreaded and unquestioned, could be challenged by Indians.
The government was baffled. The prosecutor requested the judge to postpone the
trial. Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors.
(Indigo)
(i) The result of the demonstration was that _________.
Ans. government was baffled / official felt powerless / concrete proof of Indian might 1
(ii) The participants of the spontaneous demonstration were :
(A) Gandhi’s lawyers.
(B) people of Champaran.
(C) Indigo landowners.
(D) Indian soldiers.
Ans. (B) people of Champaran. 1
(iii) Gandhi cooperated with the British by :
(A) not going to the court.
(B) remaining quiet when he was accused.
(C) helping to manage the mob of people.
(D) leaving Champaran for Delhi.
Ans. (C) helping to manage the mob of people. 1
(iv) The statement ‘Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors’ was
indicative of the Britisher’s____________
Ans. bafflement / might, hitherto dreaded and unquestioned could be challenged by 1
Indians / official felt powerless without Gandhi’s cooperation
(v) With reference to the extract, the word ‘baffled’ most nearly means :
(A) strengthened.

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(B) disgusted.
(C) frightened.
(D) confused.
Ans. (D) confused. 1
(vi) Whose ‘might’ did this demonstration question?
Ans. might of the British / government / officials 1

Q. Answer any five of the following six questions in 40-50 words each : 5x2
10 = 10
marks
Distribution of marks:-
CONTENT – 1
SPELLING AND GRAMMAR- ½ COHERENCE OF IDEAS- ½
(i) What inference can you draw about Sophie’s relationship with her fathr from
the story ‘Going Places’?
Ans. Suggested value points- 2
- Sophie wanted her father’s approval / support
- father always showed disdain /disapproval of her stories
- Sophie did not share friendly or loving relationship with father
- father was realistic and practical while Sophie was imaginative and a day
dreamer
- father was aggressive and Sophie tried to avoid facing him
(any other relevant point)
(any one)
(ii) We miss a thing when we are in fear of losing it. Substantiate this statement
with two examples from ‘The Last Lesson’, how the people in the story
suddenly realised how precious their language was to them.
Ans. Suggested value points- 2
- everyone looked sad and regretful about not learning French
- M. Hamel talked of importance of French language / brought new copies which
looked like little flags
- Franz felt sorry for not learning lessons / realized books as old friends
- village people sat quietly in the back benches
- old Hauser, former Mayor and Former Postmaster were present
- old Hauser had tears in his eyes and his voice trembled with emotions
(any other relevant point)
(any one)

XII_301_1/1/1_English Core # Page-18

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(iii) What did the peddler say in his defence when it was clear that he was not the
person the ironmaster thought him to be ? (The Rattrap)
Ans. Suggested value points- 2
- made no attempt to hide / cheat
- never pretended to be anything but a poor trader
- had pleaded and obeyed to be allowed to stay in the forge
- was ready to put on his rags and go away
(any other relevant point)
(any one)
(iv) What does “The God That Failed” refer to? (Poet and Pancakes)
Ans. Suggested value points- 2
- low priced paperback student edition to commemorate 50th anniversary of the
Russian revolution
- failure of communism
- name of the book written by six eminent writers including Stephen Spender
(any other relevant point)
(any one)
(v) What according to Umberto Eco is the belief that most journalists and
publishers have ? (The Interview)
Ans. Suggested value points- 2
- believe that people like trash / easy reading and don’t like difficult reading
experiences
- puzzled by the success of the serious novel ‘The Name of the Rose’
(any other relevant point)
(any one)
(vi) It is said that the ‘Face is a minor of one’s emotions.’ Why did the poet ‘smile
and smile’? (My Mother at Sixty-six)
Ans. Suggested value points- 2
- wanted to hide her own emotions from her mother
- reassured herself and her mother
- concealed her fear and anxiety of losing her mother
- tried to put up a brave front
(any other relevant point)
(any one)

Q. Answer any two of the following three questions in 40-50 words each : 2x2
11 =4
XII_301_1/1/1_English Core # Page-19
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marks

Distribution of marks:-
CONTENT – 1
SPELLING AND GRAMMAR- ½ COHERENCE OF IDEAS- ½
(i) What confusion does the Dewan have when the Tiger King broaches the topic
of his marriage ? (The Tiger King)
Ans. Suggested value points- 2
- thought the King wanted to marry him
- thought the King wanted to marry a tiger / bring a tiger queen
(any other relevant point)
(any one)
(ii) “My Antarctic experience was full of such epiphanies,” says Tishani Doshi.
Which experience does she consider the best and why?
(Journey to the End of the Earth)
Ans. Suggested value points- 2
- climbing down the gangplank and walking on the frozen ocean
- walking on stark whiteness that spread out forever
- 180 meters of living, breathing salt water underneath them
- watching Crabeater seals stretching and sunning themselves on ice
(any other relevant point)
(any one)
(iii) Zitkala-Sa says, “Eating by formula wasn’t the hardest trial in that first day.”
What does she mean by “Eating by formula” ?
(Memories of Childhood)
Ans. Suggested value points- 2
- pattern of eating
- ringing the bells to regulate eating
- first bell to move into the dining room, second bell to draw chair and start
praying, third bell to sit and use cutlery / fork and knife to eat
(any other relevant point)
(any one)

Q. Answer any one of the following two questions in 120-150 words : 5

12 marks
Distribution of marks:-
CONTENT – 3 FLUENCY – 1
XII_301_1/1/1_English Core # Page-20
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SPELLING – ½ GRAMMAR- ½
(a) Imagine you are John Keats, the poet of ‘A Thing of Beauty’. What advice
might you offer to Robert Frost, the poet of ‘A Roadside Stand’ in the context
of his ‘The sadness that lurks near the open window’? Pen down your advice in
a letter to Frost on how to deal with sadness. You may begin this way :
Dear Robert,
I have recently read your poem ‘A Roadside stand’ and ……
You may end this way :
Despite the fact that our lives are full of sorrow and suffering, the beautiful
things around us give us the strength to endure the sadness of life.
Warmly
John Keats

Ans. Suggested value points- 5

- life is full of sorrow and sufferings
- life has a cycle of ups and downs
- inspite of despondence, inhuman dearth of noble nature, gloomy ways of life
- nature provides solace
- enjoy the beautiful mountain scene / country side / village land / natural and
fresh products
- things of beauty around us provide us eternal joy
- being close to nature brings peace and harmony
- should not lose hope
- have an optimistic view of life

(any other relevant point)

(any three)
OR

(b) Create a comprehensive comparison of the themes present in ‘Aunt Jennifer’s

Tigers’ and ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’. Specifically discuss the different ways
each poem addresses the concept of struggle and resilience.
Ans. Suggested value points- 5
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers
- suppressed by patriarchal society
- endures the ordeals of her marriage
- desirous of strength and freedom
- resilience able to express herself beautifully through her art - creation of tigers
- tigers symbolic of freedom and chivalry / fearlessness and pride
XII_301_1/1/1_English Core # Page-21
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My Mother at Sixty Six

- reflects true struggle of fulfilling worldly duties and duties as a daughter
- leaves her mother with reassurance
- hides her emotions through her smile
- makes a promise to see her soon
- mother’s ageing and appearance reflects her struggle and resilience
(any other relevant point)
(any three)

Q. Answer any one of the following two questions in 120-150 words : 5

13 marks
Distribution of marks:-
CONTENT – 3 FLUENCY – 1
SPELLING – ½ GRAMMAR- ½
(a) Dr. Sadao is disturbed and in a dilemma since he has decided to help the enemy
soldier. Describe his conflict and the challenges faced in the form of a diary
entry.
Ans. Suggested value points- 5
- conflict between duty as a patriot and duty as a doctor
- could not ignore the wounded soldier even though he was an enemy / American
prisoner of war
- all the house helps were scared / refused to help the enemy and left work
- wrote a letter to the chief of police but did not send it
- informed General Takima in detail about the incident
- was assured of assassination of the soldier
- waited in vain for three nights
- decided to help him escape to a nearby island
(any other relevant point)
(any three)
OR
(b) In the story “The Third Level”, reality and fantasy are interwoven. Justify.
Ans. Suggested value points- 5
Reality
- post world war II scenario of 20th century
- wants to escape from reality
- took subway, reached 3rd level
XII_301_1/1/1_English Core # Page-22
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- only two levels exist at the Grand Central Station

- Sam, his psychiatrist calls it a waking dream wish fulfillment
- buys old style currency from all his money
- keeps looking for 3rd level but never finds it again
- Sam goes missing – finds Sam’s letter in grandfather’s collection of first day
covers
Fantasy
- Charley’s imaginative description of the 3rd level
- old locomotive, smaller rooms , fewer ticket windows and train gates, Old
looking information booth
- open gas flame lights, brass spittoons on the floor, pocket gold watch with cover
- “The World” news paper edition dated 11th June 1894
- use of old style currency notes
- old dressing style of men and women
(any other relevant point)
(any three)
*****

XII_301_1/1/1_English Core # Page-23

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